Tiger's Claw

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM

SEVERAL DAYS LATER

“It was fun while it lasted,” Sondra Eddington said as she began packing her clothes in a suitcase. “But it’ll be nice to get stateside again. I can’t wait to do some skiing. Ever been heliskiing at Ruby Mountain near Elko, Brad?” She got no response. “It’s the most incredible experience. They fly you up to the tops of these ridges, where the snow is powder dozens of feet deep and hasn’t been touched by another living creature, and they drop you off and you ski down. It’ll blow your mind. I flew the helicopter for a couple years but thought I’d never try skiing it, but when I finally did, I was hooked. You’ve got to come with me this season—you’ll love it.” Still no response, so she looked over at Brad and noticed him looking at her. “What?”

“I am just getting to know you,” Brad said in a quiet voice, “and now we’re going to leave.”

“Hey, we’ll see each other again,” Sondra said. “I work for your dad, remember—that is, if they keep the Excalibur project going. If you finish up your certificates and ratings and get your degrees, maybe you’ll get hired on at Sky Masters.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Besides,” she said, taking his hand and pulling him toward her, “we still have to unload and pack up the weapons on the birds, and that’ll take a couple days at least with no flying. We’ll have a few days to hang out at the beach, get some sun, and learn more about each other.” And she leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips. “How does that sound, stud?”

“Sounds great,” Brad said.

“Good,” she said. She waved a hand at the door to her tent. “Now get out of here and let me finish packing before I get too distracted and we start doing something we’ll be embarrassed about if someone walks in.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Brad said, and he left.